BBC News Online: World: Americas

New anti-terror laws for US

Bush says the laws will prevent future atrocities

Increases penalties for terror crimes
Allows the tapping of any phone a suspect uses
Allows foreign terror suspects to be held up to seven days before being charged or deported.
Sets up a new database to track 600,000 foreign students in the US
Authorises nationwide search warrants for computer information

The legislation gives the police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation more leeway to secretly search people's homes and business records. It also gives them more power to eavesdrop on telephone conversations and electronic communications, share intelligence and detain suspected terrorists who enter the United States.

The bill increases the number of crimes considered terrorist acts and toughens the punishment for committing them, as well as imposing stronger penalties on those harbouring or financing terrorists.

Mr Bush said the legislation was essential not only to assist the pursuit and punishment of terrorists, but also to prevent more atrocities.

He added: "This government will enforce this law with all the urgency of a nation at war."

The new bill comes as the US Government is attempting to control an anthrax outbreak that may be linked to the 11 September terror attacks on New York and Washington.

Attorney General John Ashcroft has said the Justice Department will begin using the new powers immediately.

The House of Representatives and the Senate approved Mr Bush's anti-terrorism package in less than two months, bypassing much of the normal committee process.

Civil liberties groups remain critical of the new measures.

"It is still dangerous legislation, and unfortunately there are still too many weaknesses in the bill that could end up curbing and infringing fundamental civil rights and liberties," said Ralph Neas, President of People For the American Way.